The television programs your child watches can influence his thoughts and behaviors. With current technology, is easy for your child to see programs that are too violent for his level of understanding. Certain negative behaviors and feelings can be associated with children who witness television violence. Be aware of these behaviors to protect your child from suffering negative effects.
Frequency
The number of violent acts seen by children who watch television is significant. According to John Murray, Ph.D., lead researcher for the 2007 Mind Science Foundation's study, "Children and Television," Saturday morning kids' programs contain about 20 to 25 acts of violence per hour. By the time your child is a teenager, she may witness about 100,000 acts of violence. The television violence she watches comes from both animated and non-animated television shows.
Aggression
Young children who watched television at home, either directly or indirectly, were more likely to demonstrate aggressive behavior, according to a 2009 study published in the journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and led by Jennifer A. Manganello, Ph.D., MPH. When your child observes acts of violence by characters on television, he may begin acting aggressively towards his friends and siblings. Your child could develop an aggressive attitude that involves verbally threatening his friends or using physical violence against another person.
Imitative Behavior
Imitative behavior can occur when your child attempts to copy the behavior or attitude of something she watches on television. A 2003 study published in the Psychological Science in the Public Interest and led by Craig A. Anderson, states that children who are exposed to media violence experience an increase in "physiological arousal" and that this arousal triggers an automated response to imitate behaviors that they observe. Your child may not be able to discern why the television characters make the choices they do and, without this understanding, your child may simply imitate what she sees or hears without understanding the effects or consequences of her actions.
Fears
Children who watch violence on television may become afraid and worried that they will be hurt. If you notice your child exhibiting fearful behavior or suddenly being frightened by familiar situations, consider the frequency and types of television programs he has been viewing. Analyze those programs for violent content and disturbing themes. Your child may have difficulty separating fantasy from reality. Turn off those programs and reassure your child that television shows are not real, and he is not in danger. If you are still concerned, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you speak with your pediatrician.
Considerations
To avoid adverse effects on your child's behavior and personality, monitor her television viewing. Set television rules, including how many hours a week she may watch television and what shows are permissible. Use the parental control option on your television set. When watching television together, discuss the content to gauge her level of understanding and see how she reacts to what she observes.
References
- Mind Science Foundation: Children & Television: Using TV Sensibly
- "Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine"; Television Exposure as a Risk Factor for Aggressive Behavior Among 3-Year-Old Children; Jennifer A. Manganello, PhD, MPH; Catherine A. Taylor, PhD, MSW, MPH; November 2009
- "Psychological Science in the Public Interest"; The Influence of Media Violence on Youth; Craig A. Anderson, et al.; December 2003
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Media Violence
- The TV Parental Guidelines
